Love Before Graduation

We reached the library gate and got off right there.

It wasn't some fancy place—just a small school that let students use its space after hours. Nothing special.

I pushed open the iron gate, and we walked in. Some little kids were playing nearby, laughing and shouting. I didn't really pay attention. We just headed upstairs, climbing the narrow stairs to the study room.

But the whole time, Suhina's words stuck with me like tiny thorns.

Her mocking tone. That little scoff. The sharp look she gave me—like she was just waiting for me to break.

Why does she always have to be like this?

At the door, my fingers touched my lips for a second. Should I wipe off the lipstick?

Maybe if I did, I wouldn't feel so weird. Maybe I could act like her words didn't bother me.

I rubbed my lip a little with my thumb.

But then I stopped.

Wouldn't that mean she won?

Wouldn't that mean she got to me?

I hesitated... and let my hand fall back to my side.

No. Not this time. Suhina doesn't get to decide how I feel.

We walked into the study room. Rian, Tenzin, and Arin were already there.

But I didn't really see the others.

Because the second I saw Arin—

My heart did that annoying thing again.

It sped up so fast. My face felt warm. Ugh.

I tried to act normal. I really did. But was it obvious?

"You okay? Got a fever or something?"

His voice was calm, casual—but I saw a bit of worry in his eyes.

I panicked. "N-No... I mean... the sun outside, it was really harsh, so—"

My words tripped all over themselves.

Seriously?

Rian laughed. "Yeah, she turns red like a tomato every time she steps out in the sun."

I laughed too, even if it was forced. Gotta play it cool.

But before I could settle down, Suhina just had to speak.

"So, Arin, you and Aira are pretty close these days?"

Her voice sounded sweet. Too sweet.

She was smiling, but her eyes were sharp. Watching. Waiting.

I tensed up.

Arin didn't even blink. He just said, "We're classmates, so yeah, we're friends."

Friends.

That word hit weird.

I should've been fine with it. I should've felt okay.

But it felt kind of... empty.

Just a classmate? That's all?

A mess of feelings swirled in my chest—happy, confused, kind of sad.

Before I could even figure it out, Nami scooted her chair closer to me.

She leaned in and whispered, "What's Suhina's deal with you anyway?"

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "No idea. That's just how she is."

Nami laughed softly and shook her head. "Yeah, sounds like her. Always acting like she's in some dramatic movie or something."

Her voice had this playful vibe. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

I smirked and winked at her just for fun.

After that, things calmed down. Everyone got quiet and started studying. The only sounds were pages turning and pens scribbling.

But no matter how hard I tried to focus, my eyes kept wandering.

Kept going back to him.

Not even once? Not even one look?

That thought stuck in my head.

Some silly part of me kept hoping he'd look up. That he'd notice me... like I notice him.

But he didn't.

And for some reason, that hurt more than I wanted to admit.